On March 20, 2025, telecommunications provider Megafon announced the launch of a new service aimed at the professional cleaning of smartphones and other gadgets, marking a significant first in the Russian telecommunications sector. This innovative service is already showing strong demand among customers and is now available at Megafon's and Yota's retail network outlets.
The new gadget cleaning service is designed to address every nook and cranny, effectively removing dirt not just from the device’s surface but also from hard-to-reach areas, including speakers and connectors. Customers can expect a comprehensive cleaning process that begins with inspecting the device under a microscope, which helps highlight even the tiniest specks of dust and grime. Following this, skilled technicians use professional tools and various cleaning agents to perform a mechanical cleaning. The final touch involves an antibacterial treatment—applying special wipes to surfaces and placing the gadget in an ultraviolet chamber for one minute to ensure proper disinfection. Additionally, all tools used in the cleaning process undergo mandatory antibacterial treatment to maintain hygiene standards.
Initial trials of this service began in September 2024 in 60 salons located in major cities such as Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, the Leningrad region, Yekaterinburg, and the Sverdlovsk region. Over a span of four months, the demand for the cleaning service has significantly exceeded expectations, with the number of requests for gadget cleaning rising by an average of 63% per point of sale, according to David Borzilov, the Sales Director of Megafon.
“The average period of smartphone ownership has increased and can reach up to five years,” Borzilov explained. “Consequently, our cleaning service is growing steadily in relevance. Regular cleanings not only help keep the gadget looking good but also enhance its functionality. For instance, if speakers get clogged, it can lead to poor sound quality.”
Given the substantial demand, Megafon has strategic plans to expand this service to additional regions, with a focus on major areas with high customer traffic. The goal is to eventually roll out the service across the entire country. Beyond smartphones, the service also caters to cleaning earphones and other portable devices, responding to a growing consumer need.
In the broader context, the introduction of this cleaning service can be seen as part of a larger trend among telecommunications operators diversifying their offerings to find new revenue streams. As traditional revenue growth slows, companies like Megafon are looking for innovative ways to enhance customer service and increase income potential. This approach follows other attempts within the telecom industry, including the launch of various services and products outside their traditional scope.
For instance, back in 2016, the telecom company MGTS attempted to launch a handyman service, allowing customers to request minor repairs and cleaning services, although that project was later closed down. Currently, as the market evolves, operators are increasingly eyeing diversification as a key strategy—potentially using retail spaces as points for parcel collections or for other practical uses, similar to successful arrangements seen in sectors like postal services.
As Megafon continues to refine this new service, customers will likely see the rollout of gadget cleaning options more widely available in their neighborhoods, reflecting a shift towards personalized and service-oriented telecom offerings. The overall response from customers and the operational effectiveness will guide future decisions as the industry adapts to changing consumer demands.
